Archive for May, 2009
All current Formula 1 teams will race in 2010, Aston Martin rumored to join
Good news for Formula 1 fans out there, as all the current teams in Formula 1 including Red Bull, Toyota, Renault and Ferrari have submitted their respective entries for next season’s Formula 1 World Championship. FOTA also revealed that all teams have agreed to enter the sport for the next three years and that it will take measures to reduce cost and that teams will help ‘preserve’ the sporting challenge, while assisting new teams.
The group further revealed that “All FOTA teams now look forward with optimism to collaborating proactively and productively with the FIA, with a view to establishing a solid foundation on which the future of a healthy and successful Formula One can be built, providing lasting stability and sound governance.”
The FIA will issue a confirmed participation list for the 2010 season on June 12th. Also, in another development, Aston Martin is rumored to be part of the 2010 season. The British auto maker’s Formula 1 team would be managed by Dave Richards’ Prodrive. Looks like we have to wait for June 12th!
BMW reveals an updated M3: BMW M3 Edition Models
BMW has revealed more information about the M3 Edition Models, which are based on the BMW M3 Coupe. There are four models in the Edition Models line up, all differentiated by four body colours, including Alpine White, Black, Dakar Yellow, and Monte Carlo Blue (Metallic), with exterior paintwork and interior design that are individually matched to one another.
Other exterior features include openings on the engine compartment lid on all models that are finished in black, BMW kidney grille, the side gills and the dual tailpipes on the exhaust system that are finished in dark eloxy-plated chrome as well as black BMW M exterior mirrors.
On the inside, the centre armrest, the centre console and the armrests on the door panels are finished in White on the Alpine White and Black models, with interior trim in Carbon Structure Leather with white contrasting seams.
The seats are also finished in Black Novillo Leather with bespoke contrasting seams as well as vertical trim stripes on the upper section of the backrest and at the front of the legrest. In the Alpine White and Black models, these features come in white, in the Dakar Yellow and Monte Carlo Blue models they are in the appropriate exterior colour.
Furthermore, the armrests and door closing handles on the inside of the Dakar Yellow and Monte Carlo Blue models come with yellow and, respectively, blue contrasting seams. Finally, the interior of the M3 Edition Models is treated to entry trim bars that feature Checkered Flag Design bearing the “M3″ designation. More features include 19-inch forged M light-alloy wheels finished in black or in the classic rim colour, while Alpine White, Black and Monte Carlo Blue models can be fitted with white coloured wheels.
Lastly, the suspension on the M3 Edition Models is lowered by 10 millimeters to slightly improve road holding. Just like the standard M3, power is derived from a 420HP V8, coupled with a 6-speed manual. As an option, you can also go home with a 7 speed M double-clutch gearbox with Drivelogic. It also comes standard with a lightweight carbon roof, while other optional fitments are made up by an Electronic Damper Control and the M Drive menu that enables the driver to configure M-specific suspension and drivetrain setup. Continue reading to view high-res versions of the images above. Read the rest of this entry.
General Motors to bankrupt on Monday, June 1st
Struggling US auto maker General Motors will file for bankruptcy on Monday, June 1st, according to an unnamed official. If there is any truth behind it, General Motors would take anywhere between 60 to 90 days to complete the bankruptcy process.
On top of the bankruptcy, the US Government will further inject US$ 30 billion into the company, and General Motors would only have to pay US$ 8 billion back to the government. If everything goes well, bondholders of the auto maker would get 10% of equity with warrants to buy an extra 15%.
The US Government would also end up with a 75% stake in the company, which may be reduced to 55% if the UAW trust fund and bondholders exercise their warrants. Only after a year and half that General Motors will have its shares publicly traded again. More information should be revealed on Monday. Stay tuned!
Ferrari applies patent for a turbocharged engine
According to Autocar, Maranello based Ferrari has filed a patent application for “turbocharged internal combustion engine with V arrangement,” believed to be for a V8. Apparently, Ferrari would drop in a twin turbo V8 into the Enzo’s replacement. Recently, Ferrari also filed for a patent application for an all wheel drive hybrid drive system.
Toyota F1 selling off car parts?
Consider yourself as a Formula 1 nut? Well now you can bring your ‘enthusiasm’ to a whole new level with genuine Formula 1 car parts! Sole remaining Japanese based Formula 1 team , Toyota have revealed via a press release that, apart from selling conventional memorabilia and merchandise, the team is also selling parts of its Formula 1 racer including carbon fiber wings, light alloy wheels, brakes and engine covers.
You can get wheels, brake discs and suspension parts from less than £200, while front and rear wing assemblies can be yours for between £700 and £2,000. If you are willing to spend more, you can get the a complete rear wing, engine cover and an underbody section, which is virtually half a car, for an asking price of £4,400. You can get these parts at www.toyota-f1-shop.com, while stocks last.
Citroen DS3 Concept: Interior images and video!
French auto maker Citroen has released a few images of the DS3 Concept’s interior and a short 55 second-long video to go with it. The Citroen DS3 Concept which was first previewed at the Geneva Motor Show this year is expected to go head to head with the MINI.
Looking at the images, the DS3 will definitely feature an up-market treatment, and will be the first among future top-of-the-line DS models including bigger DS4 and DS5 variants. Continue reading to view the images of the funky but attractive interior and to watch the short video. Read the rest of this entry.
800HP Ford Fiesta Rallycross for the Pike’s Peak International Hill Climb?
American based auto maker Ford has announced that the new Ford Fiesta will make its American motorsports debut at the upcoming Pike’s Peak International Hill Climb event in Colorado on July 19th. Two cars are being set up for the event by Sweden’s Olsberg Motor Sport Evolution team, and each car will be piloted by top rally drivers including Marcus Gronholm and Andreas Eriksson (who is also the team manager).
Most interesting fact, is that the Fiesta will have a total of 800HP for the event, thanks to a highly-tuned 2.0-liter Duratec that is mated with an all wheel drive setup, along with a sports suspension. Imagine all that power in a tiny hatch? Talking about power to weight ratio!
The Pike’s Peak International Hill Climb dates back to 1916 and is the second oldest motor sports event in America, taking its name from the famous mountain peak that towers above Colorado Springs in the Rocky Mountains and is often referred to as “The Race to the Clouds.” The team is very optimistic and revealed that it aims to become the first team to break the 10-minute mark over the 12.4-mile, 156-turn pavement and gravel course. For us back home, the new 96HP 1.4 liter Fiesta can be yours for S$ 62,888.
Lexus LF-A supercar: More details revealed
According to AutoExpress, the upcoming production version of the Lexus LF-A supercar will be motivated by a 4.8 liter V10 powerplant that can crank out over 550HP. The motivator is expected to propel the Japanese supercar to speeds of up to 350km/h, which for now, rivals figures posted by the Ferrari 599 GTB and the Lamborghini Murcielago LP640.
The production version will also feature slightly different design elements, compared to the prototype LF-A’s which were part of the Nurburgring 24 Hours recently. Two units took part in the grueling race, with one LF-A that came home in 87th position overall and another which retired after catching fire.
The production LF-A is expected to cost you anywhere between £140,000 and £190,000. The Lexus LF-A supercar will be launched at the Tokyo Motor Show in less the six month’s time. Meanwhile click here to watch an awesome spy video of the production LF-A doing its rounds at the Nurburgring test track.
